Obituaries
TOVA (GITA) YURMAN
Tova Yurman (nee Meiselman) passed away at Simkin Centre on September 24, 2019, after suffering from dementia for many years. Her husband, Sam (Shlomo) Yurman visited her daily until his death and her son, Ron was by her side day after day. She is survived by her son, Ron Yurman (Anita Wortzman), granddaughters, Lexie and Haley Yurman, sister-in-law, Hedva Yurman and her many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews in Canada and Israel.
Tova was born in 1928 in Chernovitz, Romania. Her first thirteen years she lived with her parents Chana and Aryeh Meiselman and older siblings Favel and Heny. In 1941 the Jews in her town were taken from their homes and forced into a German work camp. Her brother fled to Russia. Chana and Aryeh did not survive the march. Tova and Heny ended up in a camp in the Transnistria area. They survived their 3-year internment by knitting for the Germany army, providing them with scraps of food. In 1945, Tova and Heny were liberated. Tova had loss of vision in one eye, among other ailments. They journeyed to Chernovitz and discovered their home had been overtaken by the communist regime and Favel was not to be found. Tova traveled to Holland, as part of a group of 500 Jewish children recovering from wartime atrocities. She was a leader for the group, caring for the younger children. Tova and Heny then chose to immigrate to Israel to start a new life.
Tova learned Hebrew and served in the Israeli Air force. After the 1948 War of Independence, Tova got a job as an IBM keypunch operator for El Al airlines. In January, 1955 Sam and Tova were married and settled in Winnipeg. Tova took English lessons and worked at Great West Life. She became an integral part of the Yurman family and was described by her nieces and nephew as the “…hip, cool, fun aunt”.
Tova gave birth to Chana, named after her mother. Chana was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease and passed away at 18 months. Sam and Tova were blessed with a second child – Ron. Despite all of the past tragedies in Tova’s life, she lived to enjoy life. She was an artist who expressed herself through oil painting, pillow lace, knitting, baking and sculpting. In the late 1960’s, to Tova’s joy her brother Favel was located in Russia and emigrated to Israel with his family.
Sam, Tova and Ron moved to Israel in 1972. Many relatives and friends from Winnipeg would visit and stay at the house in Israel and experience Tova’s food, her garden and art.
By 1995, Tova had two granddaughters in Winnipeg. She and Sam flew to Winnipeg regularly to visit them. In 2005, they moved to Winnipeg full time. Tova connected with her grandchildren through art. She expressed her love through pillow lace creating designs, including an Israeli piece that she bestowed on the President of Israel, Ezer Weizman. Tova was resilient and had an unparalleled zest for life. Notwithstanding the loss of her parents, her home, and her daughter, she had a drive for life that defies explanation. She learned new languages, created art and made new friendships. There was nothing she would not do for friends and family and she was a lot of fun. This is the way we will remember her.
The family thanks the Simkin Centre (2nd floor) staff for the compassionate care provided to Tova and to Nila who was by Tova’s side caring for her daily. A graveside service was held at Shaarey Zedek cemetery on September 26, 2019. Pallbearers were Lexie Yurman, Haley Yurman, Isaac Thau, Reuben Potash, Michael Eleff and Jason Wortzman. The family also thanks Rabbi Mass for his kind words. Donations in Tova’s memory may be made to the Lexie and Haley Yurman Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.
Obituaries
MILTON FREEDMAN
It is with profound sadness and much love that I announce the passing of Milton Freedman on October 30th, 2025, three months after we celebrated his 100th birthday. Milton was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Peter, his older brother Sam, and his younger brother Sid, with whom he shared a very special relationship. He is survived by his wife Joanie, his sister Ruby Donner, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and a great-great nephew.
Family and friends meant everything to Milton, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was gentle and kind, quiet and dignified, thoughtful and wise. He gave the best advice, but only if asked.
Milton and I liked to travel, and for many years spent the winter in Palm Springs. We also travelled to Europe and England, and felt most at home in London. We reminisced endlessly about the river cruises we went on, and the amazing places we had the opportunity to visit, whether it was having dinner at a restaurant overlooking the North Sea, or attending a private concert at a palace in Vienna, or tasting Black Forest cake especially prepared for us, while we were in Germany’s Black Forest region. It all was stunning, magical, delicious. But it was the people we met along the way, who made everything even more special, and we never forgot them.
Milton was an avid reader, inhaling newspapers, magazines, and books as if they were oxygen. Remarkably, he remembered much of what he read, and it wasn’t unusual for him to quote a passage from a book that he had read years earlier, if it was relevant to a conversation. It was not to show off…that wasn’t who he was.
Milton was a runner, and for years ran ten miles, three times a week. On the days he didn’t run, he walked outdoors for two and a half hours. Eventually, he gave up running, preferring to walk seven days a week no matter the season, no matter the weather. This continued until he was well into his 80’s. And even in his 90’s Milton remained determined to walk, at first using one cane, then two, then a walker. When he was asked, how he did it, Milton simply said, “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” On occasion he might add, “And eventually you’ll get to where you’re going.”
Sage advice.
Milton is deeply missed, and will forever be remembered.
Obituaries
MARLI REBECCA SILVERMAN
Marli Rebecca Silverman passed away on March 11th at the age of 43 from end-stage renal disease. She lived her life with meaning, courage, and resilience, and touched everyone who knew her with her strength, warmth, and spirit.
She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Rylee, who was the light of her life; her father, Bruce; her brother, Matthew; Rylee’s father, Drake; and many family members and dear friends who will carry her memory forward with love.
Marli will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the impact she made on those around her.
May her memory be a blessing.
Donations in Marli’s memory may be made to Breakthrough T1D (breakthrought1d.ca).
Obituaries
EDWARD (BARNEY) SEGAL
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Edward “Barney” Segal on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 70.
Barney will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister, Elaine (Paul) Olin; his nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephew: Jason Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Jessica and Shirley Ransby; Brenlee, David, Hayley, and Leah Selchen; and Daniel, Jordi, Poppy, and Skylar Olin; Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman; and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Sam Segal (1998) and Louise Segal (2006), and by his sister, Dolly Chisick (December 2025).
Barney was born on April 27, 1955, in Winnipeg, where he lived his entire life. He spent his formative years on Lansdowne Avenue, a place that remained close to his heart and was filled with many fond memories throughout his life. Barney was the youngest of four children, and from an early age, he was a spirited and energetic presence, full of personality and spark.
Barney carried that same determination and energy into his adult life. With an unwavering work ethic, he pursued a career in education while working full-time, earning his degree from the University of Manitoba. He went on to dedicate many years to teaching and supporting schools throughout Winnipeg. Barney took great pride in helping students grow, always striving to make a lasting impression on the young people whose lives he touched.
He was fiercely loyal to his family, his friends, and the communities he served. Barney found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments: cheering on the Chicago Bears, sharing vivid stories about his parents and days gone by, riding his motorcycle, and heading out on long road trips in his beloved Jeep, “Sparky,” always in search of the next good story.
Barney will be remembered for his strong spirit, his storytelling, his sense of humor, and the genuine care he showed to those around him. His presence filled a room, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be replaced. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services were held on Friday, March 6, at Chesed Shel Emes, officiated by Rabbi Matthew Leibl. Pallbearers were Daniel Olin, Jason Olin, Laurie Gorenstein, Jeff Brown, Gavin Rich, and Mark Lomow. Honorary pallbearers were Brenlee Selchen, David Selchen, Shannon Chisick-Harman, Charlie Harman, Jordi Olin, Carrie Shenkarow, Rick Lousier, Ben Szymkow, Ron Nelson, Leroy Fox, Robert Marvin, and Gerry Dudley.
In memory of Barney, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.